Chimney Cleaning Service Information

The Fireplace Showcase, RI & MA

Browse the topics below to learn more about cleaning and maintaining your pellet stove.

• Cleaning a Pellet Stove – Frequency

  When using a wood pellet stove to heat your home or part of your home, it is extremely important that you keep it clean to ensure optimal heating as well as safe operation of the unit, and to maximize the life of the stove.

  Depending on how much you use your wood pellet stove (how many bags of pellets per day/week/month), basic cleaning should usually be done two times each week (or every 3-4 days) and a more thorough clean out should be done after every ton of pellets burned.

  More frequent cleaning is required if you are using low quality pellets

• Basic Cleaning (Performed by homeowner)

  • Remove all ash from the burn pot and firebox of the pellet stove which houses the burn pot - use an ash vacuum to do this (See Tips section).
  • Use the cleaning tool that came with your wood pellet stove and scrape the burn pot to remove any built up hard carbon deposits. If you do not have a cleaning tool, you could also use a small flat head screwdriver or a wire brush.
  • Remove baffle(s) that cover your heat exchange tubes/fins.
  • Clear the exchanger tube of carbon deposits by pulling out and pushing in the lever in the front or on top of the wood pellet stove several times. (If you have heavy build up on your heat exchangers, you may need to use a wire brush or toothbrush to remove the ash. )
  • Vacuum out the firebox again to remove any remaining ash.
  • Wash the glass windows on the front of the pellet stove using an approved window cleaner.

• Ways to make your monthly pellet cleaning easier

  • Clean the blower motor and fan using a small paint brush in combination with vacuum to remove all dirt build up.
  • Inspect the gaskets around the door and hopper lid of the pellet stove. Clean any residue from gaskets and replace them if they are worn out or damaged.

• Tips and Warnings

  • Use a HEPA filter that is meant for fine dust or an ash vacuum to avoid ash blowing around your home.
  • You should do a thorough clean out of your wood pellet stove (besides the venting) before the heating season begins, and after every ton of pellets that you burn.
  • Remove any unused wood pellets from the stove hopper at the end of the heating season to avoid stove corrosion.
  • It is best to clean your wood pellet stove when it is completely cooled. If you are cleaning when there is hot ash in the stove, the ash should not be removed from ash bucket until it is completely cooled.
  • Unplug the stove when cleaning, especially if you will be using water. Allow the unit to dry completely before plugging it back in.
  • Use High quality pellets

• Annual Pellet Stove Cleaning

  • Removal of pellets, vacuum of debris, inspection of hopper, auger plate, pressure and/or latch switches
  • Chimney sweep - clean/vacuum ash from liner and exhaust venting
  • Combustion and Convection Blowers: Clean, lubricate as needed
  • Auger motor: clean and lubricate as needed
  • Visual inspection of all electrical wiring, heat switches and vacuum sensors
  • Cleaning of the entire firebox including: burn pot, ignition assembly, exhaust ports and heat exchangers
  • Inspection of door seal and exhaust seals
  • Cleaning of stove glass door
  • Test electrical sensors and igniter for continuity and working order
  • Start-up of the stove to make sure all components are working properly